Traveling Internationally with Your Dog 101

We love to travel! And depending on the destination and length of travel, we often bring our two pups along. I recently partnered up with Melissa from Proud Dog Mom for an interview on everything you need to know before traveling internationally with your dog. You can find the original interview here or read below!

Q: Do You Need To Purchase An International Plane Ticket For Your Dog And What Fees Can Dog Parents Expect To Pay?

A: Traveling is especially fun when you can bring your pet along, but traveling internationally can be a bit confusing. Not only do both originating and destination countries have their own requirements, but airlines also have specific pet policies. Airline pet policies vary significantly so the best option is to check with each airline before booking your flight.

Most pet fees are usually $100- $200 per pet, but there are other fees incurred besides the airline pet fee.

For travel from the US, most countries require a specific form filled out by a veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA. The endorsement fee is about $40 per form plus the veterinarian fees, which can run upwards of $100. Other tests such as tapeworm, internal/external parasites, microchips, and blood titer tests, if required, will affect the cost.

Q: Most Airlines Allow Up To Two Dogs Per Domestic Flight (In The US), Is It The Same For International Flights?

A: That’s pretty standard, although, some airlines only allow one pet per passenger or some none at all.

Q: Does Your Dog Need A Passport Of His Own?

A: Sort of. A “pet passport” is simply a term used to represent all of the pertinent documentation needed to take your pet to other countries. Customs officials will need to see these documents in order to clear your pet for travel. Your veterinarian can help you create a pet passport for travel to almost any country in the world. For example, if you are from the United States and are visiting most European Union countries then the pet passport will consist of the following (you can find each countries specific health requirements here):

The Annex IV and APHIS 7001 forms for the country you will be visiting completed by your veterinarian and endorsed by the State USDA veterinarian.
Your pet’s inoculation record, which must be attached to the certified Annex IV form.

Q: Do You Need To Take Any Special Paperwork To The Airport?

A: Working closely with your veterinarian will help ensure that all of the right paperwork is included in the pet passport. This part is super important as the documentation is time-sensitive.

Every country has very specific requirements regarding vaccination, microchipping, and quarantine. Although there are various diseases that pets can carry, there are none considered more serious than rabies. Before your pet travels internationally, it is important that you know the rabies classification of your pet’s originating country as well as the rabies classification of its destination country. Each country falls into one of three categories: rabies-free, rabies-controlled or high-risk. Click here to check the rabies classifications of the countries you’re looking to visit.

Q: What Are Some Tips For Keeping Your Dog Comfortable On Such A Long Flight?

Buy an IATA-approved carrier (some airlines sell carriers that fit the exact requirements) and get your furball used to the carrier before the flight.
Buy tickets early since some planes limit the number of pets allowed to travel on each flight.
If your pet gets anxious, check in as late as possible to minimize the time your pet spends in the carrier and bring some Baby Benadryl in case you want to offer some relief.
Consult with your veterinarian!
Don’t forget a travel bowl or water dispenser to keep your pup hydrated! My favorite is the H2O4K9 water bottle or the collapsible bowls that are lightweight and don’t add bulk!

Q: What Do You Do For Potty Breaks When Taking Your Dog On Such A Long Trip?

A: A lot of airports now have pet relief areas so make sure you research the airports you will be departing from/arriving to prior to your trip. Training pads are the next best solution. I would even place one inside the carrier since most airlines don’t allow you to take pets out of the carrier during the flight.

Q: Did Your Dog Go Through A Quarantine Period Once You Arrived Abroad?

A: Thankfully no. But we flew from the USA to France, which aren’t considered high-risk rabies countries. Some countries will require it depending on the originating country. Also, some will forego the quarantine if the pet has a Blood Titer test. There are several countries where quarantine is unavoidable, though.

Q: Is There A Quarantine Period Once You Get Back To The U.S.?

A: Generally speaking, fully vaccinated dogs with the correct paperwork and testing should be able to enter without a problem.

Q: Anything Else Dog Parents Should Know Before Booking An International Flight With Their Dog?

A: Planning ahead is going to be the best way to ensure you get all the proper paperwork and testing and to make sure traveling with your pup is as stress-free and smooth as possible. Consider everything when traveling long distances: length of the flight, weather, pet carrier, etc. And pack lots of treats!

About Proud Dog Mom

Launched in early 2016, Proud Dog Mom is a blog that offers dedicated pet parents healthy dog treat recipes, training tips, health advice, DIY projects for your pooch, and so much more. Proud Dog Mom was founded by Melissa and Donna, a mother/daughter duo who have raised pooches for decades. As former Poodle breeders and members of their regional Poodle Club of America, the two have developed a close network of top groomers, trainers, vets, dog product developers, and more.

Along with offering useful tips to better care for your dog, the duo creates original, good-for-your-pooch treat recipes and emphasizes the importance of nutrition. Their recipes have quickly garnered worldwide attention on social networking websites like Pinterest and Facebook. Now, they’re in the process of writing their first dog treat cookbook!

About The Author

Natalia

La Joly Vie is your ultimate destination for all things travel, motherhood, and style. As my family and I collect more stamps in our passports, I share my lessons and tips right here with all of you!